There can be few dining experiences that are as truly magical as that of The Crowdedhouse.
From the moment you step into the private glass lift on Boar Lane that takes you on the outside of the building up to the restaurant you know you are in for a special experience.
Occupying the 5th and 6th floors respectively of the Trinity Centre this place is a force to be reckoned with in every way from food and service to its views and ambience .
This stunning restaurant location oozes an aura of luxury from the moment you step out of the lift.
Opened less than 8 months ago, and situated high above the twinkling lights of the city , Crowded House has fast become the hottest dining tickets in town.
It’s an elegant and sophisticated place where one can enjoy the finest in food,drink and service all day.
Crowdedhouse has wonderful welcoming atmosphere as we find out when we step out of the glass lift and into the restaurant.
The moment we arrive our coats are taken from us and we make our way into the restaurant.
The restaurant has a pastoral garden feeling with trees, plants and flowers and where-ever you sit there are the best views of the city. This is a romantic place especially at sunset or late evening under a carpet of silver stars.
If you ascend to the 6th floor you’ll find one of the city’s best kept secret’s in the form of a circular marble bar with tables well placed around it and a wrap around outside terrace with great seating, heated on cooler nights, with large umbrellas to keep either the sun or showers away.
On the 5th floor the restaurant’s tables are expertly choreographed to give more space and privacy with wonderfully comfortable chairs and banquet seating.
Our server Tom introduces himself and it may seem a cliché but really nothing is too much trouble for him and he is very knowledgeable about the food and drink on the menu and able to dispense some great advice if you need it.
The impressive menu is the creation of head chef and double AA Rosette Winner Simon Jewitt.
Simon’s inspiration for his menu comes from “things I would like to eat what other might relate to and of course what’s in season “ he says.
It was a hard choice to make what to have for starters as everything was just so tempting.
I was tempted by the Wye Valley Asparagus, Lincoln Poacher Cheddar with Apple and Mustard Seed Dressing. It was the perfect light starter The asparagus was chopped in the bottom of the dish and the croutons gave the dish and added dimension.
My colleague decided on the Tempura Prawn Roll with Lobster Mayonnaise and Pickled Cucumber and she was not disappointed and literally over the moon with it. The three giant prawns had a wonderfully crispy batter and were beautifully tucked into a crispy toasted brioche bun – which was very light. The accompaniments of lobster mayonnaise and pickled cucumber were perfect giving it a very tangy yet smooth taste.
In between courses we went out on the outside terrace area and although it was a little cool we admired the view from here. There is adequate seating and tables in this area for alfresco dining in warmer weather but the large umbrellas and heater made it quite pleasant to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or a digestif afterwards.
Main course was a very hard decision to make. I love fish and especially salmon and was absolutely more than overjoyed with the version on the menu. Baked Treacle Cured Salmon gave a new dimension to the fish. I just simply adored this new take of Simon’s on the fish
It was a great contrast in taste and the salmon was cooked to perfection with the treacle glaze making it totally delicious. The wonderful combination was served with sesame pak choi and a ginger and prawn wonton. Pure Heaven!
My colleague’s choice of the Pan Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Fried Leg was equally as novel but overwhelmingly tasty and a great combination served with wild garlic and potato terrine.
The chicken breast and leg meat was tender and moist and was coated in a very light batter. The potato terrine was crispy on top and very flavoursome and a great contrast to the chicken.
As a side order we indulged in a portion of house fries to share – these came piping hot – the perfect fries crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Dessert course is always a dream at Crowdedhouse. My colleague indulged herself in the Cherry and Almond Mille Feuille. Beautifully presented the puff pastry was crisp and light and the cherry and almond compote was true to its flavours. The fig leaf ice cream was a great contrast and sat well with the different flavours.
My Millionaire Shortbread Marquise was a chocoholics dream. Not only was the dish coated in that rich and delicious French plain chocolate confection – Marquise – it also featured a white chocolate ganache. Yet despite all this overload of chocolate it was tasty and had flavour.
After dessert the sky outside had become darker and the stars really did come out so much we felt we could almost touch them. Was it that late? Sadly it was and time to leave this haven of peace and tranquility high above the twinkling lights of the city.
Crowdedhouse Level 5-6 Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 6KW
Open: Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs/ Restaurant and Bar 12.00pm until 12.00am. Fri&Sat 12.00pm until 12am Restaurant – Rooftop Bar until 2.00am. Sunday 12pm until 11.00pm. Sunday Lunch served from 12.00pm to 18.45
Tel: 0113 5180l00.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login